Ceruse

Description

A name that currently refers to lead white (basic lead carbonate) pigment. In the 1700s, ceruse was used for any white pigment made from tin or lead plates. Later, in the 1800s, the name ceruse was used for white pigments that contained lead and chalk.

Synonyms and Related Terms

cerusa (Esp., Port.); albayalde (Esp.); carbonato de plomo (Esp.); céruse (Fr.); cerussa (It.); alvaiade (Port.); branco de chumbo (Port.)

Authority

• Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997